Travel WARNING: The Unseen Epidemic

Summer travel is back in full swing, but so are those pesky travel-induced aches and pains that can turn a dream vacation into a nightmare.

At a Glance

Travel-induced aches and pains are on the rise post-pandemic.
Economic travel choices often exacerbate physical discomfort.
Healthcare providers emphasize preventive measures to combat travel-related health issues.
The travel industry faces growing pressure to improve passenger comfort.

The Origin of Summer Travel Ailments

Summer travel, as American as apple pie, took off post-World War II thanks to the boom in automobile ownership and the expansion of highways. Fast forward to the present, and we find ourselves in the midst of another surge—this time post-pandemic. But along with the joy of travel comes a not-so-welcome companion: physical discomfort. The list includes tight hips, stiff necks, swollen ankles, and the infamous back pain.

As travel volumes rebound, people are packing their bags and hitting the road in record numbers. However, with this surge comes the inevitable: long hours in cramped conditions, whether it’s in economy class on a flight or a packed car on a road trip. The result? A chorus of groans and complaints echoing from travelers reeling from the physical toll of their adventures.

Stakeholders in the Travel Experience

Travelers, healthcare providers, the travel industry, and government agencies each play a role in this saga. Travelers, eager for affordable getaways, often overlook the physical toll of their journeys. Healthcare providers find themselves treating a steady stream of travel-related health complaints, from musculoskeletal strain to the dreaded deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

The travel industry, driven by profit and consumer satisfaction, is caught between offering comfort and cutting costs. Meanwhile, government agencies focus on public health messaging and travel advisories, but their influence over industry practices is limited.

Current Developments and Concerns

In 2025, we see record travel volumes with more Americans taking trips despite economic uncertainty. But while the wanderlust is high, so are the health concerns. Worries about getting sick while traveling have jumped, and with delays and cancellations becoming the norm, travelers are spending more time in transit, adding to their physical strain.

Budget constraints lead many to choose economy seating or longer drives, which only exacerbate discomfort. Health organizations urge movement and hydration, while airlines and travel companies recommend allowing extra time and planning for contingencies.

The Impact and Future of Travel Health

The short-term effects of these trends include an uptick in musculoskeletal complaints and fatigue among travelers. Long-term, we could see chronic pain become a more common post-travel souvenir. This could lead to increased healthcare costs and potentially spur changes in travel industry practices if consumer demand for comfort grows.

Older adults, those with pre-existing health conditions, and families with young children are especially vulnerable. As awareness of the need for wellness in travel grows, we might see a shift in consumer preferences and possibly even regulatory action if public health impacts become more pronounced.